Accommodation is one of the main three items that often make Uganda safaris very expensive. In order to ensure that you execute a pocket-friendly safari in Uganda; you might have to consider some budget options. These include the option of a camping self-drive safari.

For anyone considering Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo national park, Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park and a few other locations, below are some of the campsites to consider while drafting your self-drive itinerary in Uganda.

Self Drive Campsites in Uganda

Below are some of the campsites to consider during your self-drive camping safari to Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the scenic destinations that has been considered by many as a resting place after gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Among the camping options in Lake Bunyonyi national park include Kansiime backpackers and Bunyonyi Overland camp.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Mburo National Park

Most of Uganda’s national parks are located far away from Kampala. But this is not the case when it comes to Lake Mburo national park. It is the only national park that is highly recommended for a weekend trip.

The park offers a number of activities including but not limited to horseback rides, boat cruises, game drives, mountain biking, walking safaris, and quad bikes among several other activities. For a simple camping option during your self-drive safari in Lake Mburo national park; the Uganda Wildlife Authority campsite at the lake shores and Iwonyo campsite are relatively good options for camping at Lake Mburo national park.

Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda’s primate capital which prides itself on 13 primate species is also one of the places where some people find normal accommodation a bit costly. Among the camping options include; Rweteera safari camp and Nkuruba campsite.

Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

Kibale forest national park is mainly known for chimpanzee tracking. However, it has an uncommon chimpanzee tracking activity well known as Ngogo chimpanzee tracking. Each chimpanzee tracking for the Ngogo chimpanzee project goes for $400 which is double the price of the normal Kibale chimpanzee tracking permits.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The tree-climbing lions’ destination is Uganda is one of the national parks that have been affected by a lot of human activities. In relation to all other savannah national parks in Uganda, it is highly recommended to consider the services of a game ranger or a professional tour guide for the best experience of Queen Elizabeth national park.

The park has been a disappointment to most of the self drive-tourists because it requires maximum park knowledge for the best park experience, however without the help of a professional tour guide, you can enjoy activities such as a boat cruise at the Kazinga channel and community tours. Among the campsites to consider in Queen Elizabeth national park include; Simba safari camp, Kazinga wilderness camp, and Tembo camp

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls has in the recent past joined the list of one of the most visited national parks in Uganda. For this reason along with the improved roads, the Uganda wildlife Authority has come up with a special tariff for Murchison falls national park.

The park entrance will be $45 effective 1^st July 2022. There will also be a special charge for game drives and visits to the top of Murchison Falls. Among the campsites to consider for your Murchison falls self-drive safari include; Delta campsite, Red chill rest camp, Uganda wildlife Authority campsite, and Murchison river lodge campsite.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhinos had become extinct in Uganda but upon re-introduction, they can now be found at Uganda wildlife conservation education center Entebbe and Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Contrary to the setting of Entebbe zoo, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary offers a similar wilderness experience for rhino tracking.

At the moment, there is only one recommended campsite; that is the Rhino camp.

Jinja Campsites

Jinja city is Uganda’s leading adrenaline destination most known for the source of the Nile and grades five white water rafting. Among the campsites to consider during your stay in Jinja include; Nile river camp and Nile explorers camp.

Rafting on River Nile

Important to note, unless you are simply seeking a camping experience, Jinja town offers cheap accommodation that might fit the same budget for camping in Uganda national parks.

Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee tracking is the activity that is most identified when you mention Kalinzu forest. However, there has been a challenge with accommodation near and around Kalinzu forest. Most travelers have used Queen Elizabeth national park for their night stay accommodation for that matter.

However, in case you wish to sleep too close to Kalinzu forest, you can camp at the office of forestry in Kalinzu.